Department Chair; Finance

Overview

Lead the Future of Finance at Auburn University

The Raymond J. Harbert College of Business at Auburn University invites applications and nominations for the Department Chair of Finance, a leadership role at one of the nation’s preeminent business schools. We seek an accomplished scholar and dynamic leader to guide a highly productive faculty, foster continued excellence in teaching and research, and strengthen the department’s role in fulfilling the college’s strategic mission.

Department Chair is a full-time, tenured faculty appointment with administrative responsibility for academic programs, faculty development, research advancement, external engagement, and budgetary oversight. The Chair will continue shaping the department’s vision, cultivating a culture of academic excellence, and representing the department within the college, across the university, and to the broader business and alumni community.

The Department of Finance includes 14 tenure-track faculty, 4 lecturers, 2 staff dedicated to undergrad professional development, and a number of adjunct faculty. With over 1,600 majors, it is the largest department in Auburn’s largest college. The department’s undergraduate program is distinguished by strong placement in investment banking and high starting salaries. Faculty research spans top journals (including Journal of Finance, Journal of Financial Economics, Review of Financial Studies)), and the department offers both Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in Finance.

Auburn University is a leading R1 public research university and the highest-ranked university in Alabama by U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal. U.S. News & World Report ranks Auburn among the Top 50 public universities. The Harbert College of Business is Auburn University’s largest college, with more than 7,700 students, and is ranked among the Top 50 business schools and the Top 30 public business schools by U.S. News & World Report.

The college is known for its commitment to academic excellence, strong corporate and alumni engagement, and forward-looking approach to business education.

Located in the vibrant college town of Auburn, Alabama—regularly ranked among the best places to live in the U.S.—the university offers a high quality of life, a collaborative campus culture, and access to a wide range of natural and metropolitan amenities. Auburn University is understanding of and sensitive to the family needs of faculty, including dual-career couples.

Review of applications will begin September 28, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. Rank and salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. Candidates must meet eligibility requirements to work in the U.S. at the time of appointment and continue working legally throughout employment.

• Provide strategic leadership and day-to-day management of the Department of Finance
• Promote and support a strong research culture aligned with the college’s reputation for scholarly impact
• Advance excellence in teaching across undergraduate, masters (including MBA), and PhD programs
• Recruit, mentor, and retain talented faculty and staff
• Steward the department’s resources and budget effectively
• Strengthen relationships with industry partners, alumni, and donors
• Collaborate effectively with other department Chairs and college leadership to pursue strategic initiatives

• PhD in Finance or a closely related field from an AACSB-accredited institution at the time employment begins
• Academic record supporting the rank of Professor and meriting the appointment with tenure at a Carnegie R1 institution
• D…